Walmart shareholders voted down a proposal that would have required the company to prepare a report on the workplace impact of artificial intelligence and automation.
The shareholder proposal was presented at the company’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and received about 4.95% of the shares that were voted, Walmart said in a Thursday (June 4) press release.
The Annual Shareholders’ Meeting was held Thursday in a virtual-only format.
The proposal presented by United for Respect would have required Walmart to prepare a report on the principles by which the company plans to address and measure the social implications on its workforce of the growing adoption of AI, automation and other advanced technologies, according to the text included in a proxy statement.
Walmart is embedding AI across its operations; has rolled out AI-enabled tools that support hiring, scheduling, training and task prioritization; has expanded automation in fulfillment centers and supply chain operations; and implemented an algorithmic, performance-based system to determine hourly employees’ pay increases, per the proposal.
“For shareholders, the key question is how the Company is measuring and managing the workforce-related risks and opportunities associated with AI and automation,” the proposal said. “A report describing the principles guiding AI deployment, the metrics used to assess workforce impacts — such as job quality, compensation, training effectiveness, and equity — and the governance structures overseeing these systems would enable shareholders to evaluate whether Walmart’s AI strategy aligns with its public commitments, supports long-term value creation and mitigates workforce-related risks.”
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The Walmart board of directors opposed the proposal, saying that the company is committed to managing how AI and automation are shaping the future of work and that the additional reporting sought by the proposal is unnecessary.
In a statement in opposition to the proposal, which was included in the proxy statement, the board said Walmart already discloses relevant information in its annual report, earnings calls, investor forums, an annual report on strategies to create shared value, and other forums.
“Through these channels, Walmart has consistently communicated that technology should serve people by elevating human capability, improving the customer experience, and making work more meaningful,” the board said in its statement. “While roles and talent needs will evolve as AI and other technologies advance, we are committed to providing opportunities for our associates’ continued development through investment in training, skill-building, and new career pathways.”
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